5 Interesting Facts About Coffee for International Coffee Day

Celebrating International Coffee Day is the perfect opportunity to delve into some lesser-known, fascinating facts about coffee. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a dedicated connoisseur, these five interesting tidbits will deepen your appreciation for this beloved drink.

Coffee is the Second Most Traded Commodity in the World

After crude oil, coffee is the second most traded commodity globally, highlighting its immense economic significance. The global coffee market is valued at over $100 billion, supporting the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries where coffee production is a primary industry. Coffee farming is a key economic driver in nations across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, with Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia being the top producers.

The journey of coffee from bean to cup is a complex process that involves many stages, including cultivation, harvesting, processing, and distribution. Each of these stages contributes to the global coffee trade, which involves millions of smallholder farmers, traders, exporters, and roasters. Coffee’s popularity continues to grow, with over two billion cups consumed each day, making it a vital commodity in international trade. On International Coffee Day, it’s worth reflecting on the global impact of coffee and how this simple bean supports entire economies and communities.

The Origin of Coffee is Rooted in Legend

The story of coffee’s discovery is as rich and intriguing as the drink itself. According to Ethiopian legend, coffee was discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi in the 9th century. Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic and lively after eating the red berries from a particular tree. Curious about this phenomenon, Kaldi tried the berries himself and experienced a similar burst of energy. Excited by his discovery, he shared the berries with a local monk, who used them to make a drink that helped him stay awake during long hours of prayer. This monk then shared the secret with other monks, and the knowledge of coffee began to spread.

While this story is likely more folklore than fact, Ethiopia is widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee. The coffee plant, Coffea arabica, is native to the Ethiopian highlands, where it has been grown and consumed for centuries. From Ethiopia, coffee spread to the Arabian Peninsula, where it became an integral part of the culture. By the 15th century, coffee was being cultivated in Yemen and traded throughout the Islamic world, eventually reaching Europe and beyond. The legend of Kaldi and his goats remains a charming tale that adds a layer of mystique to coffee’s origins.

Coffee Was Once Banned in Several Countries

It might be hard to believe, but coffee has a history of being banned in various parts of the world due to its stimulating effects and the social interactions it inspired. In the 16th century, coffee was banned in Mecca by conservative religious authorities who were concerned that the beverage’s stimulating properties could incite rebellious thoughts and activities. They feared that coffeehouses, where people gathered to drink coffee and discuss ideas, could become hotbeds of political dissent.

In Europe, coffee faced similar scrutiny. In 1675, King Charles II of England issued a proclamation banning coffeehouses, which he viewed as venues for plotting against his rule. However, the public outcry was so strong that the ban was lifted just a few days later. Coffee also faced resistance in Sweden during the 18th century, where King Gustav III attempted to discourage coffee consumption through heavy taxation and even an experiment where prisoners were forced to drink large amounts of coffee daily to observe its supposed harmful effects. Despite these efforts to suppress it, coffee’s popularity only grew, and it became a symbol of intellectualism, social interaction, and resistance to authority.

Finland is the World’s Largest Coffee Consumer

While coffee is enjoyed worldwide, Finland holds the record for the highest coffee consumption per capita. The average Finn consumes about 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of coffee per person each year, which is approximately double the amount consumed in countries like Italy and the United States. Coffee is so deeply embedded in Finnish culture that it’s considered more than just a beverage—it’s a way of life.

In Finland, coffee breaks, known as “kahvitauko,” are a cherished tradition and an integral part of the workday. In many workplaces, these coffee breaks are not only encouraged but legally mandated, ensuring that employees have time to relax and recharge with a cup of coffee. Finns typically enjoy light-roasted coffee, which has a milder flavor compared to the dark roasts favored in other countries. The love for coffee extends to social gatherings, where coffee is often served with a variety of pastries and sweets. On International Coffee Day, it’s fascinating to recognize how coffee consumption varies across cultures and how it plays a significant role in the daily lives of people in different parts of the world.

Coffee Grounds Can Be Recycled in Various Creative Ways

Coffee grounds can be repurposed in numerous creative and sustainable ways. Used coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them an excellent natural fertilizer for gardens and houseplants. They can help improve soil structure, promote healthy plant growth, and even repel pests like slugs and snails. Gardeners often mix coffee grounds into compost or sprinkle them directly onto the soil to enrich it with nutrients.

Beyond the garden, coffee grounds have a wide range of household uses. They can be used as a natural deodorizer, effectively absorbing unwanted odors in refrigerators, garbage bins, and shoes. Coffee grounds are also popular in DIY beauty treatments; their coarse texture makes them an excellent exfoliant for scrubbing away dead skin cells and promoting circulation. Additionally, some people use coffee grounds to create natural dyes, clean greasy surfaces, or even craft homemade candles.

Conclusion

International Coffee Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate the many facets of coffee, from its rich history and global economic significance to its cultural importance and everyday benefits. These five fascinating facts about coffee highlight just how integral this beverage is to our lives, not only as a drink but as a symbol of connection, creativity, and sustainability.